An Ottawa startup has gone from product launch to market exit in three months.
Local home security company Blacksumac was acquired by California-based iControl Networks, which develops home monitoring software and systems, the company announced on Wednesday.
The purchase price was not disclosed.
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The acquisition of Blacksumac, the maker of the Piper home automation and security system, will allow iControl Networks, which has generally sold its solutions to service providers like security companies and telecoms, to strengthen its presence in the consumer market.
“Piper’s unique product offering appeals to a large and mostly underserved consumer market segment,” said Bob Hagerty, CEO of iControl, in a press release.
Piper is a camera-equipped device that allows users to check on conditions inside their home using a mobile phone or tablet.
In September, Blacksumac raised $300,000 to develop the product on crowdfunding site Indiegogo. The company had been originally looking to raise $100,000.
The device then began shipping in mid-January.
The Piper system will be integrated with iControl’s existing software platform.
“We are incredibly excited that Piper is joining forces with iControl, and look forward to bringing iControl’s ecosystem to the next level,” Russell Ure, CEO of Blacksumac, said in the release. “We designed Piper to serve the needs of users who typically would not have access to Home Awareness and automation, or those who are still learning about the technology and its benefits.”
According to the company, the Blacksumac team will remain in Ottawa.
